The Dragon is closed
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: Okemos, Michigan
The Dragon is closed
Posted this on the landslide thread then I decided it was important enough to garner a new thread:
The Dragon is closed.
From the Deals Gap Facebook posting:
"Well Gang it is official the TN Governor has closed the Dragon and is unwilling to accept the help of NC for medical and law enforcement. We will probably be forced to close the resort and not sure we will reopen this year. Lots of rumors flying around as to when they will get the mess cleaned up. I have heard 14 week to Aug. I will let you know more when I do."
"In the mean time everyone please email, call and write the TN Governor and respectable ask for him to take the help offered by NC so we can continue to enjoy the Dragon."
The Dragon is closed.
From the Deals Gap Facebook posting:
"Well Gang it is official the TN Governor has closed the Dragon and is unwilling to accept the help of NC for medical and law enforcement. We will probably be forced to close the resort and not sure we will reopen this year. Lots of rumors flying around as to when they will get the mess cleaned up. I have heard 14 week to Aug. I will let you know more when I do."
"In the mean time everyone please email, call and write the TN Governor and respectable ask for him to take the help offered by NC so we can continue to enjoy the Dragon."
6th Gear
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 2,715
Likes: 1
From: Irwin, PA
Uh-Oh!
Here is the TailoftheDragon.com Facebook postings.
Tail of the Dragon Killboy will be shooting on 28 between Fontana & the Dragon. Great riding weather is finally here.
3 hours ago
Tail of the Dragon It's official - Dragon is blocked off at the state line. TDOT now saying slide will be cleared on March 26. We'll keep you posted.
3 hours ago
Tail of the Dragon We have an unconfirmed report that TDOT will barricade the Dragon at the state line today (Friday), preventing access to the Dragon from the NC side. TDOT estimates land slide to be clear and open to traffic Saturday @ 4pm. We will keep you up to date. Good excuse to explore Moonshiner 28.
6 hours ago
Here is the TailoftheDragon.com Facebook postings.
Tail of the Dragon Killboy will be shooting on 28 between Fontana & the Dragon. Great riding weather is finally here.
3 hours ago
Tail of the Dragon It's official - Dragon is blocked off at the state line. TDOT now saying slide will be cleared on March 26. We'll keep you posted.
3 hours ago
Tail of the Dragon We have an unconfirmed report that TDOT will barricade the Dragon at the state line today (Friday), preventing access to the Dragon from the NC side. TDOT estimates land slide to be clear and open to traffic Saturday @ 4pm. We will keep you up to date. Good excuse to explore Moonshiner 28.
6 hours ago
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: Okemos, Michigan
I hope that's the case. The reports that Brad, the owner of the Motorcyle Resort, are more dire. He may have to close if this doesn't get fixed. My wife and I have many friends down there who make a living on the hill. This would be bad.
2nd Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 73
Likes: 0
From: Okemos, Michigan
http://news.tennesseeanytime.org/node/4784
TN.gov Newsroom
Rockslide Risks Close the Dragom
Released on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 - 8:57 am underKNOXVILLE, Tenn.- U.S. 129/SR-115 is closed from the North Carolina state line to a rockslide two miles south of the Chilhowee Dam.
Due to the complexity and severity of the rockslide that occurred on U.S. 129/SR-115 on Sunday morning, law enforcement and emergency crews will have very limited emergency access to the Dragon.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is continuing to assess the situation and is in the process of completing a stabilization plan. Efforts to complete an emergency contract are in the final stages but there is not a timeline for repairs to begin at this time.
TN.gov Newsroom
Rockslide Risks Close the Dragom
Released on Fri, Mar 19, 2010 - 8:57 am underKNOXVILLE, Tenn.- U.S. 129/SR-115 is closed from the North Carolina state line to a rockslide two miles south of the Chilhowee Dam.
Due to the complexity and severity of the rockslide that occurred on U.S. 129/SR-115 on Sunday morning, law enforcement and emergency crews will have very limited emergency access to the Dragon.
The Tennessee Department of Transportation is continuing to assess the situation and is in the process of completing a stabilization plan. Efforts to complete an emergency contract are in the final stages but there is not a timeline for repairs to begin at this time.
Last edited by Mol; Mar 19, 2010 at 11:15 AM.
Here's the thing...
1) it's still six weeks away. no one knows what's going to happen in the next 6 weeks
2) There's TREMENDOUS driving in that area - with or without The Dragon.
3) Same mountain beauty. Fewer nimrods on the road.
4) The local economy will REALLY need our support if this continues.
5) We'd pretty much have the entire length of Hellbender and 129 from Robbinsville to the state line TO OURSELVES. That ain't so shabby.
MINIS Near the Dragon - MNTD - would be a thing of legend forever. I guarantee it.
Make lemonade, children. Make lemonade.
And I'm pretty confident some nighttime Dragon Runs will STILL occur, in spite of what the Gubmint might have to say - not that I'm condoning law breaking or saying that I would. I'm just sayin.
1) it's still six weeks away. no one knows what's going to happen in the next 6 weeks
2) There's TREMENDOUS driving in that area - with or without The Dragon.
3) Same mountain beauty. Fewer nimrods on the road.
4) The local economy will REALLY need our support if this continues.
5) We'd pretty much have the entire length of Hellbender and 129 from Robbinsville to the state line TO OURSELVES. That ain't so shabby.
MINIS Near the Dragon - MNTD - would be a thing of legend forever. I guarantee it.
Make lemonade, children. Make lemonade.
And I'm pretty confident some nighttime Dragon Runs will STILL occur, in spite of what the Gubmint might have to say - not that I'm condoning law breaking or saying that I would. I'm just sayin.
Thread Starter
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6th Gear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,943
Likes: 3
From: Okemos, Michigan
All agreed Paul. MOTD is our least favorite time to drive the Dragon. We'll definitely be there but an alternate route will be needed by many if it remains closed. I'm optimistic though.
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Here's the thing...
1) it's still six weeks away. no one knows what's going to happen in the next 6 weeks
2) There's TREMENDOUS driving in that area - with or without The Dragon.
3) Same mountain beauty. Fewer nimrods on the road.
4) The local economy will REALLY need our support if this continues.
5) We'd pretty much have the entire length of Hellbender and 129 from Robbinsville to the state line TO OURSELVES. That ain't so shabby.
MINIS Near the Dragon - MNTD - would be a thing of legend forever. I guarantee it.
Make lemonade, children. Make lemonade.
And I'm pretty confident some nighttime Dragon Runs will STILL occur, in spite of what the Gubmint might have to say - not that I'm condoning law breaking or saying that I would. I'm just sayin.
1) it's still six weeks away. no one knows what's going to happen in the next 6 weeks
2) There's TREMENDOUS driving in that area - with or without The Dragon.
3) Same mountain beauty. Fewer nimrods on the road.
4) The local economy will REALLY need our support if this continues.
5) We'd pretty much have the entire length of Hellbender and 129 from Robbinsville to the state line TO OURSELVES. That ain't so shabby.
MINIS Near the Dragon - MNTD - would be a thing of legend forever. I guarantee it.
Make lemonade, children. Make lemonade.
And I'm pretty confident some nighttime Dragon Runs will STILL occur, in spite of what the Gubmint might have to say - not that I'm condoning law breaking or saying that I would. I'm just sayin.
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 4,256
Likes: 0
From: Nashvegas Tennisshoe
Hi Folks-
This is a real bummer. I truly feel for all the folks on the Mountain trying to make a living while the road is closed. And I feel really badly for all the folks heading to the Dragon in April/May, especially the newbies. As for MNTD, I think maybe a logo should be made with a Dragon Tail in a cast?!
Just to put things in perspective, Tennessee has had more rain in the past 9 months than we've had in a long, long, long time (we came out of the most severe drought in TN history, for 4 years, to go immediately into massive flooding). This has caused massive erosion problems all over the state. Sections of I-40 near the NC border have been closed for months, and new rock slides are happening all the time. I believe a portion of the road to Sewanee (The University of the South, near Mont Eagle) has been closed due to rock slides, causing massive problems for traffic to/from Nashville/Chattanooga.... There are even rock slides in Nashville, but I don't think any roads have been closed yet. On top of that, Tennessee has had an incredibly snowy winter (ok, not to the level of the Mid Coast states, but it's relative folks). I think we went thru our road repair budget just getting roads salted and plowed.
So, folks, it's less about Governor Bredesen being mean and not opening the Dragon, and more about trying to put out the major "fires" first. Even with NC's help, that taking resources away from the major routes that need to be opened. I'm not excusing the TN State Government, and I certainly want the Dragon open (even though I can't make it this year)... I just wanted to put this in perspective.
I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the road is opened in time.
Enjoy the ride (and drink a glass of wine for me at the Dragon Wine party!)
This is a real bummer. I truly feel for all the folks on the Mountain trying to make a living while the road is closed. And I feel really badly for all the folks heading to the Dragon in April/May, especially the newbies. As for MNTD, I think maybe a logo should be made with a Dragon Tail in a cast?!
Just to put things in perspective, Tennessee has had more rain in the past 9 months than we've had in a long, long, long time (we came out of the most severe drought in TN history, for 4 years, to go immediately into massive flooding). This has caused massive erosion problems all over the state. Sections of I-40 near the NC border have been closed for months, and new rock slides are happening all the time. I believe a portion of the road to Sewanee (The University of the South, near Mont Eagle) has been closed due to rock slides, causing massive problems for traffic to/from Nashville/Chattanooga.... There are even rock slides in Nashville, but I don't think any roads have been closed yet. On top of that, Tennessee has had an incredibly snowy winter (ok, not to the level of the Mid Coast states, but it's relative folks). I think we went thru our road repair budget just getting roads salted and plowed.
So, folks, it's less about Governor Bredesen being mean and not opening the Dragon, and more about trying to put out the major "fires" first. Even with NC's help, that taking resources away from the major routes that need to be opened. I'm not excusing the TN State Government, and I certainly want the Dragon open (even though I can't make it this year)... I just wanted to put this in perspective.
I'm going to keep my fingers crossed that the road is opened in time.
Enjoy the ride (and drink a glass of wine for me at the Dragon Wine party!)
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 3,078
Likes: 0
From: Piqua, OH
I enjoy driving the Dragon...to Fontana on my way in and on my way out and back home again, after a great MOTD. 
But, I enjoy driving the other twisty and scenic roads in the area, too...so much so that it's the reason why my Dragon-slaying lately has become secondary to why I go in the first place. I enjoy reconnecting with people I have met at MINI gatherings at Fontana over the years, going on drives, or just kicking back with some buddies and some great cigars.... 
So, even if the Dragon IS still closed at MOTD time, it WILL NOT stop me from coming down.
But, I enjoy driving the other twisty and scenic roads in the area, too...so much so that it's the reason why my Dragon-slaying lately has become secondary to why I go in the first place. I enjoy reconnecting with people I have met at MINI gatherings at Fontana over the years, going on drives, or just kicking back with some buddies and some great cigars.... So, even if the Dragon IS still closed at MOTD time, it WILL NOT stop me from coming down.
Yep - if they keep the Dragon closed, I will be forced... to go without
Like the others said, the great roads around that area are more than enough to keep me coming back. As well as the awesome bunch of people that will be there with the same mindset.
Like the others said, the great roads around that area are more than enough to keep me coming back. As well as the awesome bunch of people that will be there with the same mindset.
The Dragon's closure won't stop me from coming down to visit my friends and seeing all the other wonderful sights in the area...as well as driving to and from them! 
6th Gear
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,097
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville, TN
My brother-in-law works at one of the dams off the Dragon. He is allowed through with his work badge (so he has the Dragon to himself with no cops!) Yesterday he was told to expect 12-16 weeks before re-opening. 
For those coming from the NC side, it's not to bad as you'll still have access top a lot of cool roads, but from the TN side, it takes much longer to get to Fontana.
For those coming from the NC side, it's not to bad as you'll still have access top a lot of cool roads, but from the TN side, it takes much longer to get to Fontana.
4th Gear
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 512
Likes: 53
From: West Chester PA
Bring your shovels and fireworks people we have a service project to do. 
T-Shirt idea: I helped clear the Dragon 2010
R.I.P Rockslide
All joking aside I am going no mater what. Last year was my first MOTD and I had a great time As I left Fontanna I started counting down the days untill I would return. MOTD is a great time even if the official "Dragon Road" is closed. One of the best things about MOTD is meeting everyone and seeing Fontanna completely filled with Minis/MINIs and all Mini vendors is and awesome site. Like others have said, we will have many great roads to explore without the TN law around every turn.
Maybe we could even move the Draggin Dragon event (Pine Wood Derby) to the actual Dragon since we may only be able to walk on it this year.
I am still counting down the days: 38 Days, 19 Hours, 51 Minutes, 03 Seconds to go.
T-Shirt idea: I helped clear the Dragon 2010
R.I.P Rockslide
All joking aside I am going no mater what. Last year was my first MOTD and I had a great time As I left Fontanna I started counting down the days untill I would return. MOTD is a great time even if the official "Dragon Road" is closed. One of the best things about MOTD is meeting everyone and seeing Fontanna completely filled with Minis/MINIs and all Mini vendors is and awesome site. Like others have said, we will have many great roads to explore without the TN law around every turn.
Maybe we could even move the Draggin Dragon event (Pine Wood Derby) to the actual Dragon since we may only be able to walk on it this year.
I am still counting down the days: 38 Days, 19 Hours, 51 Minutes, 03 Seconds to go.
It's an excuse to soak up on some history. The place is chock full of it. Let's not forget to mention the crisp, fresh mountain air. It'll do wonders for you. There's hiking and the Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest. So, it's not all about the dragon. Hwy 28 seems to have had more casualties for us than the dragon. Then there's the Cherohala and others. Regardless, I'll be there.